HBCU@SXSW 2018 Edition
ABOUT SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST (SXSW®)
An incubator of cutting-edge technologies and digital creativity, the South by Southwest (SXSW®) features five days of compelling presentations and panels from the brightest minds in emerging technology, scores of exciting networking events hosted by industry leaders and an unbeatable lineup of special programs showcasing the best new websites, video games and startup ideas the community has to offer. From hands-on training to big-picture analysis of the future, SXSW Interactive has become the place to discover the technology of tomorrow today.
In 2015, more than 84,385 attendees experienced new media presentations, music showcases and film screenings that provide buzz-generating exposure for creators and compelling entertainment for audiences. Conference panel discussions present a forum for learning business activity thrives at the Trade Shows and global networking opportunities abound. Intellectual and creative intermingling among industry leaders continues to spark new ideas and carve the path for the future of each ever-evolving field, long after the events’ conclusion.
DIVERSITY @ SXSW
Expanding diversity and inclusion at SXSW is a very important part of our intentional strategy to increase authentic and natural diversity and inclusion throughout the innovation, entrepreneurship and investment ecosystems. Why? It’s simple.
SXSW shapes global narratives and perspectives; fosters authentic conversations and dialogue; and creates serendipitous moments and opportunities to connect with the leaders of tech, capital and culture.
HBCU@SXSW
Over the course of three days, minority students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI’s) and Predominantly White Institutions (PWI’s) will experience all that SXSW has to offer. Students will also participate in a technology and entrepreneurship ecosystem onboarding boot camp and opening reception on Friday, March 10 on the campus of Huston-Tillotson, panels on coding, entrepreneurship and STEAM on March 11 and direct engagement with university recruitors throughout the entire weekend.
Our thesis is simple: Diversify SXSW and we will diversify the innovation, entrepreneurship and investment ecosystem for all. We accomplish this by bringing the smartest and brightest minority college students to SXSW.
“SXSW Interactive is excited to be working with Opportunity Hub on helping to bring more HBCU students and young people of color to Austin in March,” said Hugh Forrest, Director, South by Southwest Interactive Festival. “Exposing these entrepreneurs to all the opportunities for learning and networking that SXSW has to offer is important in their development as cofounders. These young HBCU entrepreneurs are likewise important in the continued development of SXSW as a more diverse and inclusive ecosystem for all. Initiatives such as this one are a strong step towards achieving the goal of a more diverse tech industry.”
OBJECTIVES
Our objectives are very simple and clear.
1. Expose hundreds of high potential students to the career opportunities in the innovation, entrepreneurship and investment economies.
2. Educate these students on how to properly engage and navigate the innovation, entrepreneurship and investment ecosystem.
3. Create an experience that facilitates the right connections and relationships that result in immediate summer internships, career opportunities or startup acceleration.
4. Send them back to their respective schools so they can create a hyper-local technology and startup ecosystems in their communities.
5. Pipeline them to the best companies and opportunities designed to maximize their career and company building potential.
STUDENT APPLICATIONS
Minority students interested in being selected to attend our 2017 HBCU@SXSW must apply by January 31st here .
Here's a student testimonial from one of our Howard University students who attend in 2016.
HOSTS
Derrick Morgan
Tennessee Titans
Rodney Sampson
Chairman, Opportunity Hub
Michael Peterson
Cofounder, Huddle Ventures
Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette
President, Huston-Tillotson University
Van Jones
Founder & CEO, DreamCorps & #YesWeCode
Tess Possner
Director, TechHire
Here's a complete list of our 2017 hosts .
PARTNERS
SXSW. Opportunity Ecosystem (Hub). Huddle Ventures. TechSquare Labs. Huston-Tillotson University. MVMT50.
SPONSORS
Our current sponsors include Delta Air Lines, Snapchat, Booz Allen Hamilton, Cox Enterprises, Carolina Small Business Fund, Drayton Florence Foundation, Yelp, Pandora, Atlassian, and Gifted Education Foundation. Sponsorships start at $3,000. If you work for a corporation, foundation or school and are interested in sponsoring students, please send us a note.
FINANCES
The cost per student is $3,000. This covers their SXSW Interactive badge, round trip travel, housing, meals and programming. Our goal is to bring at least 100 students this year. Our goal is 500!
By sponsoring a student, you directly impact a minority student’s ability to get first hand exposure to the innovation economy and connect with employers excited about offering paid summer internships, apprenticeships and jobs.
If you are attending SXSW, you can also support by joining our Influencer Delegation. for $2,100 You'll receive a Platinum badge, access to our private VIP reception/dinner and know that you're supporting this initiative.
You can also partner as a Technology Mentor Partner for $1,000. This will support our work and provide direct mentorship opportunities for the students while at SXSW and beyond.
Thank you in advance for your support.
